It’s a mantra that we often repeat here at here at Tech & Innovation Daily.

We use it with regard to how technology companies need to remain proactive and innovative. To continue creating new products, services and technologies in order to stay relevant and competitive, otherwise risk dying out.

But in this case, “innovate or die” is absolutely literal.

Because sometimes, unless you innovate, you really could die.

That’s the case in parts of Lagos, Nigeria. A place where small, poverty-stricken rural communities are cut off from the main power grid and energy is in short supply. And even when it is available, it’s prohibitively expensive.

So residents and a local company are banding together to create an alternative energy solution…

Welcome to the World of Electricity

When you’re forced to innovate, it challenges you to think more creatively and outside the box to solve problems.

That’s exactly what’s happened in local Lagos communities.

A Nigerian company is bringing electricity to residents for the first time. And they’re doing it in the ultimate renewable way.

They’re turning waste into energy.

The firm behind it is Midori Environmental Solutions – and it’s teaching the villagers how to turn their trash into renewable energy, in the form of biogas.

Chief Operating Officer, Olumide Thompson says it’s perfect for developing communities: “The idea of what we’re doing here is showing them how they can independently develop themselves, develop the environment they’re in, and also provide a means of growing economically.”

The premise is simple…

Don’t Toss That Waste… Use It!

Midori is essentially extending the “energy circle,” so that when villagers are done with their fish, vegetables, fruit, and other food, they don’t just throw it out.

Rather, it goes to Midori’s processing plant, where it’s mashed into sludge and then fed into a bio-digester. This recycling scheme produces biogas, which can then either be used for electricity or for cooking.

Midori says it’s an affordable solution and doesn’t require a great deal of waste, either. Around 1.4 tons of waste per week is enough for the biogas plant to crank out enough power for the community of 1,000 people.

And Midori is working to improve the power lines in the area, so it can pump electricity to the whole village.

Nigeria Harnesses The Power Of Waste

While electricity is something we all take for granted, for these simple villagers, it’s absolutely life-changing.

Community leader, Salina Kareem, says the new initiative has dramatically boosted the quality of life and morale among residents.

“When we saw it, we were very happy and we thank those people that did it for us. We are happy because we know this will bring lots of development into our community.”

It’s gained some high-profile backing, too. The United Nations Development Project has helped fund the project, with over $60,000 invested so far.

And given its success, the initiative is spreading. Four other communities in the area are also being powered by electricity generated from waste.

And Midori isn’t stopping there, either. Ultimately, the company wants to help half of Nigeria turn its waste into wattage.

Ahead of the tape,

Martin Denholm

Martin Denholm boasts a wealth of experience in the financial publishing industry. Over the past 15 years, he's worked as an investment analyst, senior correspondent, and managing editor for many stock and options newsletters, e-letters and websites, covering a wide range of sectors, industries, and companies. Learn More >>

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